New Academy Opening in April!
Limited Time Offer!
Join now for $125/month (for the first 20 new students) and get a FREE gi and rashguard—no long term commitment required.
✅ Unlimited training (6 days a week) ($125/month).
✅ A free gi & rashguard—gear up and hit the mats ready.
Ironwood Jiu-Jitsu – Grand Opening Special!
We get it—committing long-term can be tough. That’s why we’ve made it easier:
No Long-Term Commitment—Just Big Savings!
Once these 20 spots are gone, tuition returns to $145/month—so lock in your savings now!
Be among the first students to train in our brand-new academy—secure your spot today!
Jiu-jitsu has finally come to Northwest Marana! Ironwood Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is the first academy serving Gladden Farms, Red Rock, and Continental Ranch, making it easier than ever to train without leaving your community.
We’re began our journey with park-based classes that combined top-notch instruction, a family-friendly environment, and the unique experience of training under the open sky. While these classes were a fantastic way to learn and connect, we have achieved our goal and have secured a building for our Academy. Our new academy opens in April! Stay tuned for special offers for new members joining us at this location.
Join us as we train, grow, and lay the foundation for an exciting future. Be part of the first-ever Jiu-jitsu community in Northwest Marana—your journey starts here!
Jiu-Jitsu classes
Jiu-Jitsu Kids ages 5-7
Our Kids’ Classes for ages 5-7 introduce the basics of Jiu-jitsu through fun, play-based learning that keeps young students engaged and active. Through games and age-appropriate exercises, kids develop foundational skills while learning core values like discipline, respect, and self-control. Our goal is to nurture confidence in an encouraging environment, helping kids build strong bodies and strong character.
Due to current class sizes 5-7 year olds are in a mixed class with the older students. As soon as we have enough younger students we will split the age groups.
Jiu-Jitsu Kids ages 8-12
Our Kids’ Classes for ages 8-12 build on foundational Jiu-jitsu skills with a focus on more technical instruction suited to this age group. Through structured drills and engaging activities, students continue to develop their Jiu-jitsu abilities while deepening their understanding of discipline, respect, and self-control. We encourage kids to set personal goals, fostering a sense of accomplishment as they progress. In a supportive and motivating environment, our classes aim to strengthen both their physical skills and character.
Monday-Friday 4:30-5:30pm
Saturday 10am
Adult Classes
Our Adult Jiu-jitsu program offers something for everyone, from complete beginners to seasoned practitioners. Our comprehensive "Foundations of Jiu-jitsu" class builds essential skills, helping newcomers gain confidence while refining techniques for advanced students. At Ironwood Jiu-Jitsu, adults of all levels can find a welcoming space to enhance their skills, fitness, and well-being.
Monday-Friday 5:45-7:00 PM
Saturday 11-12pm followed by Community Open Mat
Monday-Friday 7PM Lab time
We opted to refer to this time as lab time rather than open mat. This is time for students to take learning into their own hands. Continue working on the night’s curriculum, do specific training, ask a coach for help in a specific area, try out that cool technique you saw on Instagram, or just grab some partners and get some hard rounds in.
Who we are
Ironwood Jiu-jitsu is led by Head Instructor Nathen Danforth, a dedicated Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu with over 11 years of experience. Nathen earned his black belt under Professor Sal Flores, head instructor and owner of our sister school, Pallaton BJJ. Beginning his Jiu-jitsu journey with a goal of weight loss, Nathen found a transformative path that extended beyond fitness, discovering profound personal growth and resilience on the mats. For the past nine years, he has shared his passion by teaching others, driven by his love for Jiu-jitsu and his dedication to helping students reach their potential. Inspired by Chris Haueter's philosophy—Think Street, Train Sport, Practice Art—Nathen believes Jiu-jitsu has something unique to offer everyone. Alongside his wife, Amber, and daughters, Emma and Mackenzie, Nathen creates a warm, inclusive environment at Ironwood where students of all ages can experience the life-changing benefits of Jiu-jitsu.
Contact Us
Interested in training with us? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!